The politics of water is getting more interesting in Queensland, with Peter Beattie suggesting either the next state election or a plebiscite should determine support for recycled water. Beattie’s moved his position on this issue recently, which may not be unrelated to a discovery that a power station was sucking water out of SEQ dams without informing the board or the Minister. This, of course, should be a tad embarrassing to the state government as it suggests that information on the actual water demand in SEQ hadn’t factored in the need for water in generating power. Meanwhile, the good burghers of Toowoomba vote tomorrow in a local referendum on whether to go with recycled water for their parched city.
The Nats are apparently trying out their political lines for a possible state campaign on the issue. Yesterday, Deputy Leader Jeff Seeney played the toilet card:
“If he wants to make it an election issue I think the people of Brisbane will judge him very poorly for making them drink their own waste water,” he said.
And today Leader Lawrence Springborg is talking up Google shares:
Coalition Leader Lawrence Springborg urged southeast Queenslanders to surf the internet to find answers about recycled water.
Mr Springborg’s plea came after his own internet investigation turned up what he said were blatant misrepresentations by Mr Beattie using London and Singapore as examples of recycled sewage being used successfully in drinking water.
Mr Springborg said the comparisons were meaningless and misleading.
“I was actually getting excited about this until I checked it out using a Google search and a few phone calls,” he said.
Mr Springborg said recycled water was only used in minute quantities in London and Singapore, compared to what was being proposed for Toowoomba and now Brisbane.
He said most international examples of using recycled water were for non-drinking purposes, like gardening and industry.
“I just say to people don’t listen to the pollies, look it up on the internet,” he said.
What a great line, if only people would listen and do some (any!)research before listening to what a pollie says.
Mark:
Sh*t! You’re not taking the p*ss out of us , are you?
Sorry, couldn’t resist that; I’ve drunk London and Singapore water without my teeth turning bright green.
Hey is that why I keep having people reach my blog with “drinking recycled water London and Singapore” every day.
This Toowoomba water referendum battle seemed pretty heated from what I saw on the tele. Citizens Against Drinking Sewage versus Citizens Rights Are Poo. Wise for all to stay well away from the fan.
Easy solution given to me …. drink beer.;-)
Steve Edney:
Tell us more ….
Libs urge “yes” vote for sewage water:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Libs-urge-yes-vote-for-sewage-water/2006/07/28/1153816376971.html
The Federal Government might need to do a bit more than get their press release run in the Fairfax press… Toowoomba isn’t Sydney. But good on Howard for being on the right side of this issue
Graham, a lot of water is needed to make beer!
Coopers beer is based at the end of The Murray River. Is that where it sources its water? Does that explain its cloudy appearance? Its good piss anyway.
Mark:
The results of the poll are worrying – not just because of its effect on water supply, bad and all that it is – but as a harbinger of even worse things to come. This has been a victory for extremism, not for common sense.
Kim and Joe2 (on beer):
well, there’s always wine ….
l-o-l
joe2, you’re obviously a man of good taste, or perhaps a South Australian. Both would be a turnup for the books.
The cloudiness of Coopers beer comes from yeast debris, not the water.
Joe2 and TheDevilDrink:
].
Repent you two sinners! Once the loonies gain complete control, it will be Prohibition (MkII) for everyone; even talking about booze will be banned. Saying “That’s the spirit” to encourage a sporting team will get you 100 lashes; telling a crying kid to “Stop w(h)ining” will get you 5 years …. [remember, you heard it here first
What about Golden showers?It would also save on energy.Not many people would be showering after I dunno 40yrs of age Im guessing.
And if Lawrence Springborg had of googled ” Golden showers” in his research on water saving issues, he may have maintained his excitement. Good thinking Phil. Trouble is, the National Party probably have a filter on his puter.
HI Graham:
Are you the same Graham Bell I met on East Street or the researcher based at UQ?
If you are the former, I’ve relocated to Briz, working from Roma Street now.
Interesting to know you are passionate about so many topics.
SL
si_linz@msn.com